Proposed bill establishes commission on the implications of ‘frontier technologies’

The Ohio House of Representatives could consider legislation to create a commission focused on the effects of “frontier technologies.”

Under House Bill 650, which state Rep. Heidi Workman, R-Portage, introduced on Jan. 20, the commission would “study the rapid development of frontier technologies with significant economic, ethical, and security implications for the state, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence and agentic systems, biotechnology, quantum computing, and robotics.”

State Reps. Sean Brennan, D-Parma; Thaseus Calgget, R-Newark; Jack Daniels, R-Akron; Adam Holmes, R-Zanesville; Angela King, R-Mercer County; and Bernard Willis, R-Springfield, cosponsored the bill.

“As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, Ohio has a responsibility to be proactive, informed, and forward-looking,” said Workman. “This commission will allow policymakers to better understand both the opportunities and challenges these technologies present, so we can position Ohio as a leader in innovation while protecting the public interest.”

The Portage representative said that she believes technological development is an important issue for policymakers in a press release posted on the same day the bill was introduced.

“This is about ensuring Ohio is ready for what’s next. By bringing experts and lawmakers together, we can develop thoughtful policy that supports innovation, economic growth, and responsible governance.”

Brennan told members of the press that he thinks the commission could address questions that Ohioans have about how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies could change the job market, according to a report from NBC 4.

“I think a big part of the fear is the fear of, ‘Am I going to have a job a year, five years, ten years from now?’” Brennan said. “I think in some cases that the answer to that is going to be no.”

“We have no idea what the future holds. It just behooves us to be as informed as possible.”

The proposed commission would be made up of three members of the state House of Representatives, three members of the state Senate, and three technology experts appointed by the governor.

If the bill is passed, the commission would deliver its report by Dec. 31.

State Reps. Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk, have also introduced a separate bill to create a commission to study the effects of data centers on Ohioans.